5 Hidden Gems from This Generation

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

Little King's story- Amazingly charming game on the wii with amazing music, build your kingdom and recruit villagers for excursions to uncover surrounding areas. Its an RTS sort of like pikmin, buts its medieval and you control a cute little guy

Let's tap- for the wii which come with 2 free CARDBOARD BOXES, the wiimoteis placed on top and you do minigames by tapping. The highlight being a head to head obstacle course.

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

also what qualifies as a hidden gem? just a game that has sold poorly and what constitutes 'sold poorly' nowadays? Vanquish has sold less than 1 million copies to date and yet is mint, but that isnt a hidden gem is it?

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

Basically any game written off as generally 'naff' or under-reported that put people off buying it. A good example is Vanquish, less than a tenner now and I'd never even researched it, the Youtubes I've just watched look promising.

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

Singularity: I really liked this shooter, great guns with good upgrades, good use of its central mechanic and a nicely hammy plot. Alas it was sent out to die by Activision with a $0 ad spend along with Blur for reason

Basically any game written off as generally 'naff' or under-reported that put people off buying it. A good example is Vanquish, less than a tenner now and I'd never even researched it, the Youtubes I've just watched look promising.

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

1) Persona 4: Golden - This game didn't get much coverage at all (OK it's a remake but it's by far the best game the Vita has) with VG not even deeming it worthy of a review, despite reviewing countless iOS titles...

2) SWTOR - A great MMO before it went free to play.

3) FTL - One of my games of the generation, didn't get as much coverage as I think it should have.

Other than that agree strongly with Last Remnant and Little Kings Story.

Critics don't always agree with me when it comes to games, but they can't be right every time. I've picked out 5 titles from my collection that didn't get the recognition they could have if people didn't use Metacritic to make buying decisions.

The Spoiler tags contain Trailers for each game, just to save space.

1. The Last Remnant

Final Fantasy VII fans screaming out for a remake got one, they just didn't know it. All the Final Fantasy elements are there: great RPG systems; fantastic areas to explore; gripping 'save the world' storyline, sacrifices; but what really made it for me was what I called the 'Aeris Moment' - it's like they made the whole Aeris storyline again but wrote in the right ending.

Yeah, I know, movie to game license. But Ubisoft did a great job with this one, allowing players to fight as a Human or a Na'vi depending on their choices, so basically two games in one. The graphics still stand out being very particularly beautiful, and the sense of exploration makes this a gem you should pick up if you missed it.

Not sure why this ended up as a marmite title, but for me it was more accessible and fun than Deux Ex: Human Revolution. The main difference between the two was choice - in Alpha Protocol every choice you make has serious ramifications, everything from how you start a mission, how you approach a mission, how you end a mission - and there are a LOT of choices to make. Probably one of my favourite Obsidian titles.

Need a Space Combat sim to fill that genre gap in your collection? How about a Space Combat sim RPG? How about a Space Combat sim Adventure RPG? Despite getting a bit repetitive it includes everything a good space sim needs - trading, combat... no wait, that's all a good space sim needs. Dark Star One throws in Welsh space pirates though. Which is awesome. So this is your current gen Elite: Trader fix. Until Elite: Trader comes out again.

Easily one of the worst launches I've seen this generation, but this third person MMO shooter still manages to pull you in if you can overlook the odd bug or two. An engaging storyline, lots of guns, lots of modding, lots of things to shoot, lots of worldwide events to take part in, lots of clans to join and continually updated by Trion Worlds. No subscription but lots of microtransactions. Fortunately if you enjoy a good grind you don't need the microtransactions.

+1 for both 'The Darkness' games , they had an interesting mechanic in the swipey evil tendrils and the second even had that

Show Spoiler 'who is playing and who is being played' meta narrative thing that all the cool kids love nowadays

I'll go a + 1/2 for SWTOR, I really loved the first few hours but after Act 1 when you get your ship to explore it all gets a bit too grindy between the admittedly fantastic plot bits. I ran a few characters to rank 10 and then subbed to run my Sith Inquisitor to lvl 50 overall it mostly just made me as I thought of the great single player game screaming to get out. Oh and the HK-51 quest can f-off and die in a fire I must have scanned every f-ing inch of that crash site nnngggrrhhhh I want my HK-47 clone!!!